Forging South–South Bridges: ACA & CCLA’s Role in Cross-Cultural Creative Diplomacy

The collaboration between Arts Connect Africa (ACA) and Conexiones Culturales de Latinoamérica (CCLA) is reshaping cultural diplomacy by forging South–South creative bridges. Their joint training in Ibadan, Nigeria (August 25–29, 2025), prepared artists for MASA 2026 while highlighting the power of cross-continental collaboration between Africa and Latin America. By linking African creative ecosystems with Latin American networks, ACA and CCLA are building sustainable platforms for cultural mobility, professional development, and heritage preservation. This partnership underscores how music and arts can drive economic growth, amplify cultural voices, and influence international diplomacy.

The Cost-of-Living Crisis – A Township Economy  Perspective 

The Competition Commission’s Cost of Living Report highlights the severe pressure South African households face, with township entrepreneurs experiencing the hardest blow. Rising food, energy, transport, and education costs not only erode family budgets but also undermine small business survival. Township businesses face a double burden: shrinking consumer spending and escalating operating expenses, creating a cycle that stifles growth and innovation. The Township Entrepreneurs Agency (TEA) calls for urgent reforms—fair pricing, affordable utilities, and stronger support systems—to unlock the township economy’s potential. As TEA prepares for the 7th Annual National Township Economy Summit 2025 under the theme Inclusive Economic Future, the focus turns to building resilience, equity, and opportunity for South Africa’s most dynamic but vulnerable economic sector.

Customer value management as a tool to reduce customer churn

Customer Value Management (CVM) is a powerful tool to reduce customer churn, particularly in the telecommunications sector. Unlike traditional Customer Relationship Management (CRM) systems, which primarily track customer interactions, CVM focuses on maximizing customer lifetime value by leveraging data insights to create personalized offers. By identifying behavior patterns and understanding customer needs, telecom companies can reduce churn, improve satisfaction, and enhance customer loyalty. This article discusses how CVM tools can help operators understand why churn happens and provide timely, relevant offers to retain valuable customers.

Lesotho.biz – A Smart Digital Asset Investment

Lesotho.biz, a premium exact-match domain representing the Kingdom of Lesotho, is now on auction at SEDO. This short, memorable, and globally recognizable domain is ideal for businesses, entrepreneurs, and investors seeking a digital foothold in Lesotho or targeting international audiences. With its .biz extension, it is perfectly suited for e-commerce, tourism, trade platforms, and national branding projects. As a rare digital asset in a politically stable and emerging economy, Lesotho.biz offers a strategic opportunity to establish a strong online presence and capitalize on growing interest in the region.

AutoTrader reports robust July sales growth as practical used cars rise in popularity

South Africa’s used car market continues its strong performance, with AutoTrader reporting robust July 2025 sales. A total of 33,919 vehicles were sold, reflecting YoY growth of +7% and MoM growth of +9.4%. Toyota remained the top-selling brand, while Ford Ranger led as the most popular model. Notable growth was seen in affordable, practical hatchbacks and crossovers, including the Hyundai Grand i10 (+116.7% YoY) and Suzuki Swift (+34.5% YoY), indicating evolving buyer preferences toward reliability, fuel efficiency, and economic practicality. The cumulative market value reached R14.10 billion, with average vehicle prices and mileage reflecting stable, resilient demand.

10 Years of Impacting Township Entrepreneurs

The Kasi Business Workshop, founded in 2015 by Bulelani Balabala, celebrates a decade of transforming South Africa’s township economy. Over 100,000 entrepreneurs have been supported, contributing to more than 400,000 jobs, with a global footprint in 34 countries. Through initiatives like the Kasi Pitching Challenge, Networking Pods, Mbawula Chats, Masterclasses, and the Kasi Business Exhibition, the movement fosters collaboration, skills development, funding access, and market opportunities for township businesses. Now in its 10th year, the Workshop continues to serve as a catalyst for inclusive economic growth.